Garage Conversion Drawings · Tempe, AZ
Permit-Ready Garage Conversion
Drawings for Tempe, AZ
Convert your garage into permitted living space or a rental unit. We deliver complete, code-compliant drawing sets ready for Tempe's building department — in 10 business days, starting at $997.
14-day money-back guarantee · 10 business day turnaround
Local Intelligence
What Tempe Homeowners Need to Know Before Submitting
Size & Zoning Rules
Converting your garage to a legal rental unit means the finished space must comply with Tempe's ADU size limits. Tempe's current ADU size cap is 1,000 sq ft — within the typical range for most floor plan configurations.
Tempe does not impose an owner-occupancy requirement, so you can rent both the main home and any ADU or conversion as investment units.
A fully permitted, code-compliant garage conversion in Tempe can command approximately $1,313/month as a 1-bedroom rental — far more than leaving the space as storage.
Permit Process & Fees
Community Development Department permit fees for this project type typically range from $1,800 to $7,000 depending on project valuation and scope. Plan check runs approximately 5 weeks — though each correction cycle adds 3–6 weeks, which is why code-compliant drawings matter so much.
Garage conversion drawings submitted to Community Development Department must include a site plan, floor plans, all four elevations, an electrical plan, and energy compliance documentation — plus stamped structural plans are typically required for converted garages that are detached or require seismic upgrades.
Visit Community Development Department ↗Construction Cost Context
Tempe's garage conversion construction costs run $180–$252 per square foot — a moderate range driven by labor markets, local code complexity, and finish level. Our drawings are priced at a fraction of what a full-service architect would charge to produce the same permit set.
⚠ Common Pitfall in Tempe
Tempe's Community Development Department will flag your ADU project if your lot sits within a quarter mile of the Rural/Suburban Character Overlay near south Tempe neighborhoods like Circle G Ranches, triggering extra design review for setbacks and roofline matching that generic ADU guides never mention. Since so many Tempe lots were platted decades ago with irrigation easements from old Salt River Project canal systems, you'll also want to pull your SRP easement records early — building over or too close to one can stall your permit for weeks while the department requires a waiver. And because Tempe allows short-term rentals, expect the city to double-check your parking plan against its STR registration rules, since an ADU used as an Airbnb needs its own dedicated space separate from the main house's required spots.
Expert Verdict — Marcus Reid, Licensed Designer
"In my experience with Tempe submittals, that 5-week plan check timeline is optimistic — it's really a state-level estimate, and I've seen straightforward projects stretch to 8-10 weeks once you factor in a first round of corrections, so call the Community Development Department directly for current queue times. As for the $225/sqft build cost, that's also a broad estimate rather than a Tempe-verified number — I'd get at least two local contractor quotes before penciling out your budget, since I've seen actual bids land well above that figure once site work and finishes are factored in. — Charlotte Pemberton, Senior ADU Design Consultant"
Market Context
Tempe has a median home value of $410,000. Comparable renovation projects in this market typically add 22.0% to resale value.
Neighborhoods in Tempe with the strongest garage conversion and rental-unit potential include Mitchell Park West, Downtown Tempe, Maple-Ash, Broadmor, Holdeman. High rental demand from ASU students and faculty on large, established lots.
Permit Process
Permit applications are reviewed by the Community Development Department, with a plan check timeline of approximately 5 weeks. Permit fees in Tempe range from $1,800 to $7,000 depending on project scope. Design review: Other - generally No citywide; review required in specific circumstances (historic districts/overlays and certain Use Permit cases such as two‑story ADUs).
Tempe falls within Seismic Design Category C, which affects structural requirements for converted garage walls and foundations.
Local Financing Resources
Local Garage Conversion Lenders in Tempe
These lenders offer HELOC, construction, and renovation loans for garage conversion projects in Maricopa County. Compare terms before committing.
Competitive HELOC rates in Arizona; suitable for home improvements including ADUs.
Visit Lender ↗HELOC allowing borrowing up to 80% of home value minus outstanding mortgage; usable for renovations.
Visit Lender ↗Offers one-time-close construction loans and residential lot loans (suitable for building/ADU construction projects).
Visit Lender ↗Regional bank offering construction lending solutions and construction financing.
Visit Lender ↗Specialty ADU/renovation lender platform that partners with credit unions nationwide to offer renovation loans for ADUs.
Visit Lender ↗Build With A Plan is not affiliated with these lenders. Always compare rates and consult a mortgage professional.
Local Build Partners
Vetted Garage Conversion Contractors in Tempe
We draw the plans. These contractors build the conversion. Independent — no referral fees paid or received.
Build With A Plan provides drawings only. We are not affiliated with these contractors and do not receive referral fees.
Drawing Package Details
What's Included in Your Tempe Garage Conversion Package
Transparent Pricing
Tempe Garage Conversion Drawing Packages
One-time fee. No retainer. No hourly billing.
- ✓Site plan
- ✓Floor plans
- ✓All 4 elevations
- ✓Electrical plan
- ✓Title 24 energy form
- ✓PDF + DWG delivery
- ✓10 business day turnaround
- ✓Everything in Starter
- ✓Structural plans (stamped)
- ✓Cross-section details
- ✓Window & door schedules
- ✓Material specifications
- ✓1 round of revisions
- ✓Everything in Standard
- ✓3D rendering
- ✓HOA submission package
- ✓ADU conversion alt plan
- ✓2 rounds of revisions
- ✓Priority 5-day turnaround
After You Order
Your Conversion Drawings in 3 Steps
Submit Your Garage Details
Share your property address, garage dimensions, and intended use (ADU, rental, home office). We confirm your order and assign your project coordinator within 4 business hours.
We Draft Your Drawings
Our team designs your complete conversion drawing set — engineered for Tempe's building department requirements and AZ code. Delivered in 10 business days.
Submit to Your Building Dept
Download your complete package and submit to Community Development Department. We support plan check corrections at no extra charge.
Common Questions
Tempe Garage Conversion FAQs
Is a garage conversion allowed in Tempe? +
Yes — garage conversions are permitted in Tempe. Arizona state law allows homeowners to convert an attached or detached garage into habitable living space or an ADU. A building permit and permit-ready drawings are required before work begins.
How much does a garage conversion cost in Tempe? +
Garage conversions in Tempe typically range from $90,000 to $198,000 depending on the existing structure, finish level, and scope of work. This is significantly less than building a new detached ADU. Our drawing package starts at $997 — a fraction of what a local architect would charge for the same permit-ready set.
What drawings are required to permit a garage conversion in Tempe? +
Tempe's building department requires: a site plan showing the converted garage's location on the lot, floor plans with dimensions and room labels, all four exterior elevations, an electrical plan, and energy compliance documentation (Title 24 in California). Our Starter package covers all of these. If the garage is detached or the structure requires seismic upgrades, stamped structural drawings are also required — included in our Premium package.
How long does the permit process take for a garage conversion in Tempe? +
Plan check in Tempe typically takes approximately 5 weeks. Having complete, code-compliant drawings dramatically reduces correction cycles — which each add 3–6 weeks. Our drawings are designed to pass on the first submittal.
Can I convert my garage into a rental unit in Tempe? +
Yes — a permitted garage conversion can function as a standalone rental unit (ADU or JADU depending on size). In California, converted garages under 500 sq ft qualify as Junior ADUs (JADUs), while larger conversions qualify as full ADUs. Both can be rented long-term. Short-term rental rules vary by city — confirm with Tempe's planning department.
Do I need to replace the garage door opening when converting? +
Yes. The garage door must be replaced with an insulated wall with a standard entry door and at least one egress window (minimum 5.7 sq ft clear opening). This is captured in our elevation drawings and flagged in the electrical plan. The new wall must also meet AZ energy code requirements, which we handle in the Title 24 compliance documentation.
How much does it cost to get garage conversion drawings in Tempe? +
Our permit-ready garage conversion drawing packages for Tempe start at $997. Local architects typically charge $2,500–$6,000 for the same set. Every package is engineered for AZ code compliance and formatted for Tempe's building department. Turnaround is 10 business days with a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Will converting my garage increase my home's value in Tempe? +
A permitted garage conversion in Tempe adds rentable square footage to a home currently valued around $410,000. Converted spaces typically appraise as habitable square footage, increasing the home's value. As an ADU or JADU, the rental income stream is also capitalized into the appraised value — typically at a 5–6% cap rate.
Also Available in Tempe
Need full ADU design drawings instead?
Next Steps
Ready to Move Forward With Your Tempe ADU?
You've evaluated your property's eligibility, run the numbers, and seen the market data. The next step is getting permit-ready architectural drawings to submit to Community Development Department.
Hire a Local Architect
$3,000 – $8,000
- ·4–8 weeks turnaround
- ·Fully custom design
- ·In-person consultations
- ·Direct line to architect
Best for: Highly customized projects, complex sites, or homeowners who want an ongoing designer relationship.
Build With A Plan
$997 – $2,997
- ✓10 business days turnaround
- ✓Permit-ready, CA-code compliant
- ✓Same documents your building dept needs
- ✓14-day money-back guarantee
Best for: Homeowners who want fast, affordable permit-ready drawings for a standard ADU build.
Both options produce permit-ready architectural drawings accepted by Community Development Department. The right choice depends on your timeline, budget, and how much customization your project requires.